Gov. Daugaard Concerned About Immigrant Placement

Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released numbers showing South Dakota received 21 unaccompanied immigrant minors.

In a press release today, Gov. Dennis Daugaard indicated he is concerned about a lack of communication between federal and state officials.

“It is disappointing that, despite assurances from federal officials, these children have been placed in South Dakota without notification to the state,” Daugaard said. “Although federal officials indicate that these 21 children have been screened and vaccinated, we will be asking more information so that the state can be sure that these children pose no risk to South Dakotans.”

According to federal officials, children caught at the U.S. border are placed in government shelters and then reunited with sponsors, typically parents, relatives or family friends. The children are then placed in deportation proceedings.